Restaurant Happenings South Florida April 9, 2008

RESTAURANT HAPPENINGS – 4.9.08

MAKE MOTHER’S DAY A MEMORABLE WEEKEND WITH A FESTIVE FEAST AT AZUL

Azul at Mandarin Oriental, 500 Brickell Key Drive, (305) 913-8254.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the ultimate Sunday Brunch served with all the fixings at Azul, as it provides an enchanting Mother’s Day theme along with its award-winning cuisine and flawless service.  Azul diners will find lavish menu offerings featuring “Eggs Cocotte” made with creamy scrambled eggs, Maine lobster and caviar and Braised Veal Shank Ravioli with caramelized onion, parmesan and black truffle butter. Traditional favorites include omelets, waffles and pancakes plus an assortment of cheese and fresh exotic fruit. A fresh seafood presentation including caviar, jumbo shrimp and stone crab claws as well as a delectable sushi station complete the incredible menu. A selection of tempting house-made breads, pastries, ice cream and Easter desserts will also be presented. Cost is $65 for adults and $35 for children.  For restaurant reservations, please contact the restaurant directly at (305) 913-8254.
 
 
CHEF JESSE SOUZA NOW CHEF AT BALEENMIAMI, GROVE ISLE HOTEL & SPA

BaleenMiami, Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Coconut Grove, 305.857.5007.

The new chef at BaleenMiami, at the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa is Chef Jesse Souza. Originally from New England chef Souza was recently executive chef at City Cellars in Coral Gables. After six years as executive sous chef at the Claremont Resort & Spa in Berkeley, CA, chef Souza came to Miami where he opened Chispa with chef Robbin Haas. At BaleenMiami chef Souza has created an eclectic menu focused on seafood, an appropriate choice for a waterside restaurant.
RATATOUILLE, FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT OPENS IN SOUTH BEACH
 
Hotel Clinton, Washington Ave., South Beach, 786-276-3580.

Fear not, Ratatouille is not the Disney mouse turned genius chef. It is the second venture of the owners of Café Maurice in South Beach, David Meunier and Dominique Tordion. The chef, Gerard Chauvet – a real person and a graduate of the Ecole Hoteliere in Lyon, France – is offering classical French bistro cuisine and some Provençal dishes like ratatouille.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MUSIC, TAPAS AND WINE AT CARAMELO RESTAURANT
 
Caramelo, 264 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, 305-445-8783.

Every Wednesday night. at 8:00 pm, Caramelo Restaurant offers an “Evening of Sweet Sounds” with a complimentary glass of wine, a specialized tapas menu prepared by Chef Willie Hernandez and music.